Mississippi Gov. Reduces Anti-LGBT Bill Criticism To Being Too Focused On A ‘1980s Rocker’

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) said too many people are focused on what 1980s rockers have to say about the anti-LGBT bill passed in his state.

"Amazing things are happening, but we all seem to be fascinated with a 1980s rocker that canceled a concert," Bryant told Mississippi's WAPT.

The governor was referring to Bryan Adams, who announced on April 11 he would not perform his scheduled April 14 show at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

Bryant argued that the bill "simply says the government cannot discriminate" against a person for their religious beliefs. But the measure would allow people with religious objections to deny wedding services to same-sex couples and provide wide protections for some anti-LGBT actions.

Other entertainers have spoken out against the bill, including Belinda Carlisle, lead singer of the 1980s band The Go-Go's, and comedian Ellen DeGeneres. Comedian Tracy Morgan canceled an April 29 show at the Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino because of the bill.

The Mississippi bill is just one of more than 100 anti-LGBT measures currently being considered across 22 states. This week, the UK issued a travel warning to LGBT travelers who "may be affected by legislation passed recently in the states of North Carolina and Mississippi."