'I find it incomprehensible' Bryan Adams refuses to perform in Mississippi over new 'anti-gay' law
Bryan Adams is the latest star to cancel a gig over new laws in southern US states that appear to discriminate against gay people.
The Canadian rocker has cancelled a performance in Mississippi, calling the state's new "religious freedom" law "incomprehensible."
Due to take effect on July 1, it allows religious groups and some private businesses to refuse service to gay people.
The Run To You singer said he cannot "in good conscience" perform in a state where "certain people are being denied their civil rights due to their sexual orientation".
Supporters say it offers protection for Christians who adhere to traditional views of marriage and gender roles.
He was due to perform on Thursday at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.
The move comes after Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band cancelled a show in Greensboro, North Carolina, because of the state's new law blocking anti-discrimination rules for the LGBT community.
"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," Springsteen said in a statement.
Leading firms including PayPal, American Airlines and Bank of America have also spoken out against the laws.
The new laws in Mississippi and North Carolina:
Allow individuals and businesses to deny services on religious grounds
Ban anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation
Force transgender people to use toilets corresponding to their gender as assigned at birth in public buildings and schools