Bryan Adams cancels Mississippi gig to protest 'anti-LGBT' law

The Canadian rocker's decision follows a similar cancellation in North Carolina by Bruce Springsteen

Adams' decision followed a similar move by Bruce Springsteen in North Carolina (AP)

First Bruce, now Bryan.

The Canadian rocker has announced he is cancelling a concert in Mississippi in protest over the state’s new and controversial “religious liberty” law.

The law - passed last week - permits some private businesses and religious groups to refuse service to gay people.

The 56-year-old singer, famous for hits such as Summer of ’69 and Run to You, issued a statement saying he could not “in good conscience” perform in the state. He said it was “incomprehensible that LGBT citizens are being discriminated against”.

He was due to play the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi on Thursday. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed HB1523 into law on last week amid opposition from equal rights groups and businesses.

The law offers protection for Christians who adhere to traditional views of marriage and gender roles, which Governor Bryant said “protects sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions”. The new law will take effect from 1 July.

Adams said he was using his voice to “stand in solidarity with all my LGBT friends to repeal this extremely discriminatory bill”.

“Hopefully Mississippi will right itself and I can come back and perform for all of my many fans. I look forward to that day.”

Adams's cancellation comes after Bruce Springsteen cancelled a show in North Carolina last week because of a new law in that state.

Springsteen joined business groups in condemning the law which rolls back local anti-discrimination measures that protected gay and transgender people.