Bryan Adams Nixes Miss. Show Over New Law

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, the AP reports. Adams said in a statement posted on Facebook Sunday night that he is canceling a show Thursday at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi because he can't "in good conscience" perform in a state where "certain people are being denied their civil rights due to their sexual orientation."

"Using my voice I stand in solidarity with all my LGBT friends to repeal this extremely discriminatory bill," Adams said. "Hopefully Mississippi will right itself and I can come back and perform for all of my many fans." The move comes after Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band canceled a Sunday show in Greensboro, NC, because of the state's new law blocking anti-discrimination rules for the LGBT community. The Mississippi law, which supporters say provides protection for Christians, will take effect July 1. (Hulu has decided to shift a new comedy from North Carolina to Canada.)