Watch Colbert Mock ‘Bathroom Bill’ With Civil War Make-Out

Hours after North Carolina revealed the passing of the controversial HB2, also known as the “bathroom bill,” rock legends like Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr canceled their upcoming concerts in the state. Late Show host Stephen Colbert didn’t cancel his Tuesday night taping – instead, he proved his point by having Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee make out on national television. 

“Yesterday, the band Pearl Jam announced they were canceling their show in North Carolina to protest that state’s controversial new law curbing LGBT rights,” Colbert said. “They’re not alone: Bruce Springsteen also called off his concert there; PayPal canceled plans for a new operation center; and even porn site xHamster blocked North Carolina users from their site. Now where are North Carolina hamsters going to go for their porn? 

“And while I respect those artists, as an entertainer, I believe it is not my job to deny you my talents; I believe it is possible to use the magic of television to bridge our differences. I mean, for Pete’s sake, even after the Civil War, great figures like Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee believed this country could come together. That’s why I will never withhold this show from anyone.”

As the comedian spoke, two men dressed as Lincoln and Lee shook hands and took their relationship to the next level. “I believe we must find common ground and hold firm to those things that unite us all,” Colbert said. “We must cling to each other passionately and really, really just go for it.”