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Bryan Adams Cancels Mississippi Show Over State's 'Religious Freedom' Law

Bryan Adams is canceling a show in Mississippi over the state's new law that allows some groups and businesses to refuse service to gay couples.
Image: Bryan Adams cancels show in USA over LGBT law
A file picture dated 20 June 2013 shows Canadian singer Bryan Adams performing on stage during his concert in Hamburg, Germany. Adams reported on his social media accounts that he canceled a concert in Mississippi to protest the state's enactment of a law seen as discriminatory against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. The show was scheduled for 14 April.AXEL HEIMKEM / EPA
By The Associated Press

BILOXI, Miss. — Canadian rocker Bryan Adams is canceling a performance this week in Mississippi, citing the state's new law that allows religious groups and some private businesses to refuse service to gay couples.

Bryan Adams' Instagram
Bryan Adams' Instagram post and statement about canceling his show in Mississippi.Bryan Adams

Adams said in a statement Sunday night that he was canceling a show Thursday at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

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The singer says he can't "in good conscience" perform in a state where "certain people are being denied their civil rights due to their sexual orientation."

The move comes after Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band canceled a Sunday show in Greensboro, North Carolina, because of the state's new law blocking anti-discrimination rules for the LGBT community.

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The Mississippi law will take effect July 1. Supporters say it offers protection for Christians who adhere to traditional views of marriage and gender roles.

The Associated Press