In Mullins, South Carolina, a town's Christmas spirit has become the center of a national conversation about the intersection of faith and public spaces. The Mullins Beautification Committee, spearheaded by Kimberly Byrd, adorned the downtown marketplace with holiday decorations, including a Nativity scene, in late November to welcome the festive season. This initiative, funded by the committee members, aimed to enliven the area and promote local commerce during the first Christmas for the new marketplace.
The display quickly came under scrutiny when Mayor Miko Pickett requested the removal of the Nativity scene, which measures 3-by-4 feet. Pickett's concern centered on the inclusivity of residents with diverse religious beliefs. Byrd, who has been a Mullins resident for over five decades, expressed astonishment at the mayor's decision, highlighting the town's deep-rooted Christian traditions and the prevalence of churches in the area.
Mayor Pickett took to social media to articulate her stance, emphasizing that her request pertained solely to the public parking lot and was guided by the principle of separation of church and state. She reaffirmed her respect for other religious practices and clarified that Nativity scenes were not prohibited on private property.
This incident has drawn attention both locally and online, with many referencing a key 1984 Supreme Court decision in Lynch v. Donnelly. The ruling allows cities to include Nativity scenes in broader holiday displays on public property, provided they feature secular elements. The Mullins display, which included Santa figures and decorative lights, appeared to align with this legal framework.
Support for the Nativity scene swelled, with several city council members backing Byrd's decision to keep the display unless mandated to remove all decorations. The conversation has struck a chord with many, questioning the visibility of religious beliefs in public during significant cultural celebrations.
Notably, Byrd's defiance was recognized by Becket, a law firm focusing on First Amendment rights, which honored her with the 2025 "Tiny Tim Toast." Becket's president, Mark Rienzi, lauded Byrd's efforts as both commendable and patriotic.
As the debate continues, the Nativity scene remains in place. It not only serves as a symbol of the holiday but also as a testament to the ongoing discourse surrounding faith representation in public areas. City officials have yet to take formal steps to remove the display, and Mayor Pickett has not made further comments in response to media queries.
The Mullins case underscores the complexities faced by local governments in reconciling religious expressions with the pluralistic fabric of their communities. It raises critical questions about how towns navigate legal boundaries, community values, and First Amendment rights in presenting holiday traditions in public venues.
