This chapter introduces for the first time in Leviticus the topic of unlawful sexual practices. It rules as illegal certain kinds of relationships which had been seen in the lives of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and in the family of Moses and Aaron. It does not go so far as to rule against polygamy or divorce. It does however provide one of the several texts in the Bible which clearly proscribe male homosexuality. This chapter is a text to be reckoned with by all who consider the Bible to be authoritative and who participate in discussions of such issues in our time.
