"overtly friendly disposition ... involving body contact" can often BE an unwelcome advance · Issue #322 · w3c/PWETF (original) (raw)

In expected behaviours we say (emphasis mine)

Be aware that displays of affection may complicate professional relationships. For some cultures, overtly friendly disposition towards another participant involving body contact (e.g.: hugging, touching on the arm or shoulder, or kissing) is uncommon and may be perceived as an invasion of personal space, or as unwelcome advances.

There are plenty of times when such things will be an unwelcome advance (as defined already). (As noted in #321, that's about people not about cultures".)

I think we should reframe this text to make crystal clear that sometimes this won't just "be perceived as" an unwelcome advance, which questions the person for whom it is unwelcome, and whether they are being reasonable in not accepting that a "friendly disposition" towards them is meant without harm.