Vieda calls the homosexual lifestyle an act of "blasphemy" and "Satanism."
This is not the first time Vieda has been the source of controversy. Two previous essay competitions had an ugly nationalistic character.
Earlier this year, it requested people to submit essays on what they thought Latvia would be like without Russians and how to make them leave the country. The "essays" were assembled into a book, extracts of which were published in several Latvian newspapers.
Vieda's publisher Aivars Garda said that the best contributions will be sent to Pope John Paul II, the United Nations, UNESCO and top Latvian officials, including President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Prime Minister Andris Berzins.
The collected essays will also appear as a book.
Vieda has suggested titles for the entries, which include "Homosexuality: normal behavior or Satanism?" "There should be a law against homosexuality, the shame of humanity," and "Does Latvia need to join the European Union supporting the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit by permitting same-sex marriages?" First prize is 100 lats ($160).
Latvia's state-run National Human Rights Office head Olafs Bruvers said he is disgusted with Vieda's actions, saying the themes they offer are a gross violation of human rights and an incentive to hatred toward people who have a different way of life.
"In a democratic country, all people are entitled to have their own opinion about everything. Nobody has the right to insult people who think differently," he said.
On Bruvers' instructions, the office's human rights lawyers are preparing to reply to the publisher's statements. One of them, Liga Biksniece, said they are monitoring the situation closely, comparing statements published by Vieda with the Latvian law on human rights.
"We think what they are doing is beyond the boundaries of freedom of expression," she said. "So far we haven't taken any concrete measures, but we are thinking about approaching the prosecutor general's office."
Garda told reporters that "gay supporters" should not waste their time and effort with criticism.
"Danger lies not only in homosexuality. Public tolerance is just as bad," he said.
Ainars Locmelis, board member of a Latvian gay support group, told The Baltic Times he would like to tell Garda to learn a bit more about homosexuals before spreading false information and making offensive statements about them.
"It's a big problem in Latvia that gays and lesbians don't talk about their rights," he said. "I think homosexuals should have a right to register partnership, but I don't think Latvian society is ready yet to discuss whether we should be allowed to adopt children."
The publisher has used his stab at notoriety to gain support from one or two officials in Latvia, who say they believe homosexuality is a deviation from normal human behavior.
MPs Juris Vidins and Peteris Tabuns from the party For Fatherland and Freedom and Janis Leja from the Social Democrats expressed such opinions in an open letter Nov. 8.
"We categorically object to the unrestricted spreading of the idea that homosexuality, pornography, drugs and alcoholism are interpreted as human rights," the letter reads. "It is absurd to claim that tolerance for such mental distortions is the sign of a civilized and modern 21st century community."
Both Vidins and Tabuns are members of the parliamentary human rights commission. An open letter from the gay support group demands their resignation.
"It's not normal to say 'I like these human rights, but I don't like those human rights'," said Locmelis.
The activist acknowledged a need for role models to come out, which has long since happened in Western countries where celebrities have openly declared their sexual orientation.
Locmelis has been a part of gay and lesbian support organizations since 1991, and he believes a gay hot line is badly needed.
"We get many anxious calls about HIV, and people need advice on what to do," he said. "There have also been phone calls since Vieda announced their latest competition. A lot of people are more afraid now to show their sexual orientation."
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