The point is, it is unethical and inapropriate by everyone's definition.
There are two reasons for having tight policy statements. One is for clarity and precision. The other one is for defense if it is challenged, which you always assume it will. It's not "unethical and inappropriate by everyone's definition." If it were, we wouldn't be having this discussion. He needs to be able to defend himself, maybe in court, against potential someones who may be offended by his refusal to service them so he needs to be able to provide a reason. If not in court, then he still needs a reasonable if not compelling defense against the social opprobrium that you anticipate. He needs a rationale, a supportable rationale. What is it? "Everyone knows it's inappropriate" ain't gonna cut it. Yes, everyone knows that intercourse is inappropriate. But you can bet your bippie that everyone doesn't "know" that a man massaging a woman's sore back or visa versa is sexual conduct.
The fact that the masseus believes it is wrong as all masseus's are supposed to, is significant.
Significant, yes, but not a trump card. He has to be able to explain his belief. He can't just say "the sky is green" and have everyone respond, "oh, well, of course."
It is strongly stated as a no no in the ethics statement you posted
No, it isn't. This is an important point. What is in the ethics statement is a prohibition of sexual conduct. Clearly they don't consider a massage, per se, to be sexual conduct. If they did, they'd be out of business because no one could live up to their ethics statement and still practice. Your therapist is drawing a line in a different place from where the professional association is. If he were using their standard, there would be no issue, no need for him to stand on conscience because he wouldn't be bucking anything. But he is being much more conservative than they are so he needs to articulate a rationale for drawing the line where he does. Yes, his belief is significant, but he can't defend himself on that alone. He needs to come up with something at least plausible.
So what do I put after the "because?" |
