A human-sized portrayal of the Nativity that had been removed at an Air Force base in South Carolina last week has been moved to a new location.
South Carolina Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and Rep. Mick Mulvaney said they had complained to officials at Shaw Air Force base in Sumpter, S.C., about the scene’s removal.
{mosads}“We are pleased the Nativity scene has been restored at Shaw Air Force Base. From the start, our offices have been in touch with Shaw officials expressing our concerns about this matter. We appreciate the Air Force for listening to our complaint, keeping the Nativity scene on base and moving it to the Chapel,” the Republicans said in a joint statement Thursday.
The Nativity scene was moved to the front of the base’s chapel, a public affairs officer told the NBC affiliate near the base.
A spokesman at the base told Fox News that Pentagon attorneys were afraid the presence of the plastic baby Jesus would imply the military is endorsing Christianity.
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, which promotes the separation of church and state, had requested that it be removed.
More than 40 airmen complained to the group about the scene, according to the local CBS affiliate.