The argument suggests that Sodom and Gomorrah was not destroyed because of homosexuality, but because of gang rape and lack of hospitality including failure to provide help to the poor and needy (Ezekiel 16:48-49).
Actually, homosexuality IS the major issue of Genesis 19 and Ezekiel 16.
First, consider Genesis 19:5 when the people of the city demand Lot’s visiting men in order that they may “know” them. If homosexuality was not the issue then why would Lot say, “don’t do this evil, here are my daughters” (19:7). No rape has yet occurred, but the implication is clear that 1) inhospitality is not the issue; and 2) giving the daughters seems to be a solution to the evil. Certainly gang rape is another difficulty that can be addressed, but don’t let this escape notice: Lot’s attempt to thwart the crowd from “knowing” the men inside is that they would instead “know” his daughters.
Second, what exactly are the “haughty and detestable things” (abominations) being judged in Ezekiel 16:50? We may certainly include arrogance as well as failure to help the poor and needy, but is that all God calls “detestable?” What is called “detestable/abomination” in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13? The word in Hebrew here refers to an offense to ritual as well as moral order and since God is the author of morality, He is offended.
Finally, consider the response of the crowd to Lot’s solution: “they pressed hard against Lot and came near to break the door” (19:9). They were making very specific and intentional bodily contact with Lot, literally pressing their bodies against him.
Homosexuality is included among the other sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the crowd admits and rejects the moral judgment of Lot (19:9).
(notes from a seminar discussion)
