In some countries, such as India, it is not uncommon to see heterosexual friends holding hands, for example two men who are friends walking down the street. In China, women hold hands. It's just a different culture. In America these days, even the "man hug" is used less frequently and touching in general is diminishing. Now we see that even though most natural and protective fatherly act of holding a child's hand is coming under scrutiny.
Oh, America... will you ever cease to amaze us in your new audacities and bad ideas?