NC massage therapists complain new state human trafficking law targets wrong people

Many illicit massage parlors busted by police have been linked to human trafficking.

Police raids around the Triangle on illegal massage parlors linked to human trafficking led to the General Assembly passing a law last year to protect victims.

The State Board of Massage and Body Work Therapy believes the law is necessary to prevent illicit businesses from using the word massage in their illegal practice.

Many massage therapists claim the law penalizes legitimate businesses in this field, and they voiced their concerns Thursday before the State Board of Massage and Body Work Therapy.

Linda Zukowski is a licensed massage therapist and runs her own business. She said the human trafficking law requires a mountain of paperwork that has nothing to do with preventing human trafficking.

“We as massage therapists are concerned that the proposed rules are unrealistic, they’re unattainable, and they’re going to do nothing to stop human trafficking,” Zukowski said. “We need to submit a floor plan with detailed information on heating, ventilation and sanitation facilities,” she said. “They’re asking us to provide information on all our equipment and supplies.”

The Human Trafficking Commission under the Department of Justice did not endorse that section of the law dealing with massage and body therapy.

In fact, the commission’s chair told WRAL News, "The NC Human Trafficking Commission considers massage and bodywork professionals to be important allies in the fight against human trafficking."

The commission was in support of a part of the law that requires the placement of posters with the National Human Trafficking Hotline number in certain strategic locations, including transportation stations, rest areas, welcome centers and emergency rooms.

Because the state board believes the law is necessary, massage therapists like Zukowski now believe it's up to them to educate the public.