Bryan Adams cancels Mississippi show due to controversial service 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.

Adams said in a statement Sunday night that he was cancelling 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 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 move comes after Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band cancelled a Sunday show in Greensboro, N.C., because of the state's new law blocking anti-discrimination rules for the LGBT community.

In response to that move, a North Carolina lawmaker Mark Walker called Springsteen a 'bully,' and pointed to upcoming shows in the area by Def Leppard and Canadian Justin Bieber.

"I've never been a Bieber fan, but I might have to go," Walker said.