Canadian rocker Bryan Adams has cancelled a performance in Mississippi, citing the state's new law that allows religious groups and some private businesses to refuse service to gay couples.

The cancelled show was due to take place on Thursday at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

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".

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.

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

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.