If you like comedy, and want to watch a state legislator poked fun of on national television, tune into “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart this Thursday on the cable channel Comedy Central.

There will be a four-minute segment starring Maine’s own Rep. Brian Duprey, R-Hampden, who is making a name for himself by sponsoring bills on the Christian right’s two favorite subjects: homosexuals and abortion.

A crew of four from “The Daily Show” visited the State House on Thursday and interviewed Duprey about his legislation, especially one bill that would outlaw abortion of a fetus if it has a “gay gene.”

No one has ever discovered a “gay gene,” but what if science determines there is such a thing? That fetus should not be aborted, Duprey’s bill says.

Duprey, who is anti-abortion and anti-gay rights, is also sponsoring one bill that would amend the constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage, and another that would to legalize same-sex marriage.

Can’t you see Jon Stewart’s face as he announces that?

Anyone who knows the conservative Duprey understands he wants to outlaw same-sex marriage. He explains he sponsored the bill to legalize gay marriage at the request of a constituent. He says he’ll oppose his own bill.

Last week “The Daily Show” contacted Duprey and told him they wanted to do a parody on his bills. Being a good sport, Duprey agreed. “I have a great sense of humor. I’m willing to be made fun of,” he said.

“Daily Show” correspondent Bob Wiltfong asked a lot of questions: Would Duprey flip-flop on his own bill? Would he run against himself for Congress? Would he impeach himself?

“We had some good fun,” Duprey said. He enlisted Sen. Ethan Strimling, D-Portland, to be part of the act. Politically, Duprey and the liberal Strimling couldn’t be much further apart.

“Daily Show” communications staffer Steve Albani (who went to Colby College in Waterville) said Friday that Duprey’s segment is scheduled to premiere at 11 p.m. Thursday, and repeat at 10 a.m. Friday. The schedule could change.

Duprey’s fame is growing. Last Wednesday, he and his daughter were driven to Boston in a limo, courtesy of Bill O’Reilly, to appear on the Fox Network’s “The O’Reilly Factor.” The subject was his gay gene bill. Duprey said O’Reilly didn’t put him on the hot seat. “He was good to me. It was an awesome experience.”

Maine House of Representatives Republican staffer Jay Finegan, who was on hand when “The Daily Show” crew arrived Thursday, said Duprey’s bills are getting a lot of national attention.

Duprey’s been on Rush Limbaugh’s radio show, Al Franken’s liberal “Air America” radio network and talk shows in Detroit; Madison, Wis.; California’ and Maine. “The only thing left is Oprah,” Finegan said.

Stay tuned.

Today is Moxie Day

Today, legislation to make Moxie the official drink of Maine will be heard before the State and Local Government Committee at 1 p.m. on the second floor of the State Office Building.

Gary Crocker, whose day job is lobbying for the Community College System of Maine, said he’s taking half a day off to testify as a citizen. He promised a good turnout of Moxie fans who will, like himself, be wearing Moxie colors.

“I’ve warned the committee co-chairs there’ll be so much orange in the room, they’ll have to wear sunglasses,” Crocker said.

The Kennebec Fruit Co. store in Lisbon Falls sells all kinds of Moxie merchandise, and that town holds an annual Moxie Festival to celebrate the unique carbonated beverage.

– Bonnie Washuk is a State House reporter for the Sun Journal