In a surprising turn of events, the Arizona Supreme Court reinstated a 1864 law that effectively banned nearly all abortions in the state. This antiquated law has drawn criticism for its regressive nature, with late-night host Stephen Colbert humorously pointing out that the law was enacted before women even had the right to vote. The decision has sparked controversy and reignited debates surrounding reproductive rights in Arizona.
Meanwhile, on a lighter note, late-night hosts couldn’t help but poke fun at President Joe Biden’s state dinner for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan. Jimmy Kimmel quipped about the unconventional start time of 4:30 and joked about the entertainment for the evening, which featured music legend Paul Simon. The humorous commentary surrounding the state dinner provided a comedic break from the heavier news of the abortion ban in Arizona.
As the late-night hosts delivered their punchiest punchlines, the event took on a playful tone, with jokes about Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, and even a fictional duo called “Simon & Joefunkel.” Despite the serious news concerning the abortion ban, the comedic relief provided by the late-night shows highlighted the absurdity of certain political decisions and offered a much-needed dose of humor in tumultuous times.