LEV245 The Torah clearly states its views about the act of homosexuality. Homosexuality, i.e., two men having sexual relations, is unmistakably prohibited [this verse]. The act is twice called a "To'aiva," an "abomination" and it is such a severe sin that it merits the death penalty in a Jewish court system (Leviticus 20:23). If not for the fact that homosexuality is prevalent and accepted in Western society today, there would be a little controversy about this Torah sin. It is clearly forbidden and never condoned anywhere in the Torah. The very context of the prohibition gives us an indication of the severity of the homosexual act (Leviticus 18:21-23). It is couched between the prohibitions of child sacrifice (to an idol) and bestiality (sexual relations with an animal). In almost every culture in the twenty-first century, these two acts are considered abhorrent, repugnant, and contrary to society's values. This attitude seems to reflect the Torah's attitude towards the act of homosexuality. It is only because homosexuality is relatively widespread and condoned by so many people today, a relatively new phenomenon, that it appears that the Torah is "out of step" with the real world. "Live and let live" concerning all sexual unions is a consensus that emerged only in the latter part the twentieth Century. This apparent conflict raises an important issue that has clear ramifications and will be discussed below. Although it is not specifically mentioned in the Torah, lesbianism was regarded by the Rabbis in the same manner as homosexuality -- i.e., as an unnatural sexual bond (Midrash, Sifra, Acharei Mot 8:8). They clearly forbade it in Jewish law as a Rabbinical violation without the classical punishment for sin (because no classical intercourse takes place) (Maimonides, Hilchot Isurei Bi'ah 21:8), but did suggest Rabbinic flogging as a punishment. The Code of Jewish Law adopts this view as well (Shulchan Aruch, Even Ha'er 20:2).