The 1975's Matty Healy protests Dubai's anti-LGBT+ laws by kissing male fan during concert

Band performs on rainbow coloured stage in UAE

Matthew Healy performs in California (Getty Images for Coachella)

The lead singer of The 1975 has protested Dubai‘s anti-LGBT laws by kissing a male audience member at a concert in the emirate.

“Thank you Dubai you were so amazing,“ Matthew Healy said on Twitter after the performance on Wednesday.

“I don’t think we’ll be allowed back due to my ‘behaviour’ but know that I love you and I wouldn’t have done anything differently given the chance again.“

He added: “But who knows maybe they will let me back in let’s just wait and see :)“

Videos posted on social media showed Healy singing the band’s song ‘Loving Someone’, against a rainbow backdrop.

‘Loving Someone’ is considered by some fans to be an LGBT+ anthem.

He then approached a male fan in the crowd, who had repeatedly shouted “marry me!“ at the singer, according to Billboard.

Mr Healy gave the man a hug. In footage posted by fans online, the 30-year-old can also be seen asking the fan if he wanted a kiss.

The singer then kissed the fan to loud cheers. He returned to the stage and said: “We’re all human, right?“

Some fans on social media said Mr Healy kissed the fan after speaking about acceptance from the stage.

Homosexuality is illegal in Dubai and kissing a man is reported to be punishable by up to 10 years in prison, as well as fines and deportation, according to Detained in Dubai.

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Several fans were more critical of Mr Healy’s actions, claiming he had jeopardised the fan’s safety.

The 1975 were performing at their first UAE concert when they held the protest.