Question:
I read that the Aruch haShulchan says EvenHaezer 20:18, "כן אסור לאיש להתחכך לאיש באיבריו דרך תאוה." Would touching the limbs of a man or kissing a man on the cheek in a pleasurable way require mechilah from the other person or is it simply a sin between Adam l'Hamakom?
Answer:
Hello,
Before answering your question, the term דרך תאוה means in a lustful way. Additionally, it refers to touching his private parts, not just any of his limbs. For example, a man may massage another man’s back, even if it gives him pleasure.
Regarding your question, the general rule regarding the obligation to ask another person mechila is that the other person was negatively affected by what you did. For example, Reuven spoke lashon hora about Shimon to Levi. Levi, however, did not accept the lashon hora, so harm was done to Shimon’s reputation. Reuven does not have to ask Shimon mechila. Therefore, it remains an Aveiro Bein Adom L'makom. It would be the same here. If the improper touching negatively affected the second man (in any way), then he has to ask him mechila; however, if it didn’t, then he doesn’t have to ask him.
Best wishes
