Bryan Adams cancels Mississippi gig over new anti-LGBT law

Bryan Adams has cancelled a concert due to take place in Biloxi, Mississippi, on Thursday 14 April over new anti-LGBT laws soon to come into effect in the American state. Canadian Adams said in a statement that he "cannot in good conscience perform".

Bill 1523, named the Religious Liberty Accommodations Act, allows some businesses and religious groups to refuse service to people in the LGBT community. Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on 5 April, the law will come into effect on 1 July 2016.

Adams said in his statement that he finds it "incomprehensible that LGBT citizens are being discriminated against in the state of Mississippi". He said he stands in solidarity with his LGBT friends and looks forward to when "Mississippi will right itself" and he can return and perform.

He statement read: "Mississippi has passed anti-LGBT 'Religious Liberty' bill 1523. I find it incomprehensible that LGBT citizens are being discriminated against in the state of Mississippi. I cannot in good conscience perform in a state where certain people are being denied their civil rights due to their sexual orientation.

"Therefore, I'm cancelling my 14 April show at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Using my voice I 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. - Bryan Adams"

Adams' decision comes a few days after Bruce Springsteen cancelled a show he was due to play in Greensboro, North Carolina, over a new law in the state that bans transgender people from using bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity. Springsteen said of North Carolina's House Bill 2: "To my mind, it's an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognising the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress."