Steps cite Dubai’s anti-LGBTQ laws after refusing to perform

Ian ‘H’ Watkins has confirmed that Steps have turned down a show in Dubai over a contract clause which said the band were not allowed to make any mention of sexuality. He told a crowd at Chippenham Pride in Wiltshire that he was at a stage in his life where he would rather prioritise his morals than a “pot of gold gig in Dubai”, where homosexuality is illegal.

While nobody was aware that Steps had been offered a gig in the Middle East, Watkins said it was “important” to raise the issue, BBC reports.

Watkins spoke to Trans in the city chief executive Bobbi Pickard on Saturday (June 17), telling her he was “emotional” that he wished he had “the guts” to speak about the issue sooner.

He said: “This week we were offered a gig, a show, and it was in a country where there’s lots of oppression, where the LGBTQ+ community is treated so horrendously.

“And in the contract it said ‘no mention of sexuality’ and that really jarred with me.

“I’m at a point in my life now where my morals and what I strive for is more important that that pot of gold gig was in Dubai.”

Dubai is a part of the United Arab Emirates, with harsh laws against homosexuality.

There are similar rules in nearby Qatar, with the issue a key talking point while the nation hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, alongside its human rights record and treatment of migrant workers.

Ms Pickard said: “Respecting and backing H’s position has shown fabulous allyship.

“They [Steps] have a strong Pride community following, and this reinforces their support and love for their fans.”

She also highlighted the importance of Steps setting an example, and that she would like to see other artists choosing not to perform in countries were a significant portion of their fan base faces imprisonment or the death penalty.

Mr Watkins said the band followed his decision when he told them they could perform the gig without him.

He said that a person’s gender, sexuality or colour should not impact a person’s ability to be their authentic selves and live their best life.

“It felt like a little win.

“If everybody did that, all of those ripples will make huge waves, and we will have a much more inclusive and beautiful place to live.”