Politics & Government

Making a Point About Same-sex Marriage, with Humor

So-called anti-left-handed-marriage activists hold rally.

Sometimes, you have to be blunt to make a point.

And that’s what state Rep. Seth Cohn, R-Canterbury, is trying to do in the same-sex marriage repeal debate. Cohn, a liberty-minded Republican with a wry sense of humor, has sponsored an amendment to the traditional marriage bill banning left-handed people from marrying, throwing a monkey wrench into the debate. Whether you consider it a political stunt or valid point, it has garnered Cohn global headlines, including radio interviews outside of New Hampshire and a mention in the New York Times.

Outside of the this morning, a number of protesters held signs supporting the amendment, with slogans like “two lefts don’t make a right,” just hours before what is presumed to be a concerning the Granite State’s . At the same time, some pro-traditional marriage advocates volleyed points back and forth with the protesters, making their views known.

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“I’m using humor to make a point,” Cohn said to a traditional marriage supporter. “And when I get up there, believe me, there will be a point made. I’m trying to sway people’s opinions and using humor is one way to do it.”

During the discussions on the steps of the Statehouse, at least one other representative found the entire thing amusing.

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State Rep. David Robbins, R-Nashua, asked Cohn if he was left-handed and Cohn said yes. Everyone has “an equal right to marry the right-hander of their choice,” Cohn said, jokingly, adding that he’s a self-hating lefthander.

Robbins countered that it was nice to have a bit of humor thrown into what is a “very serious issue.”

Cohn added, “I’m just not being lighthearted. There’s a serious side to this, trust me.”


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