The European Union was plunged into a political crisis following the welcome decision of the European Socialist, Liberal and Green MEPs to bring down if necessary the new Brussels Commission which would have had the Italian Rocco Buttiglione as Commissioner for Justice. Incoming President of the Commission Jose Manuel Barroso has withdrawn his entire proposed team in a bid to resolve the crisis.

God-fearing Roman Catholic and Professor of Political Science, Rocco Buttiglione – one of Pope’s John Paul II’s closest counsellors – has been on record for describing Homosexuality as a sin, and single mothers as ‘not very good mothers’ and this sparked the opposition to his proposed appointment.

As the crisis was brewing, The European Humanist Federation (EHF) issued a statement expressing its indignation "at the most intolerant way in which European Commissioner Designate Rocco Buttiglione has talked about immigration, homosexuality and the role of women in the family.

"The European Commissioner Designate, during his hearing with the Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament, has, once again, shown much intolerance and a considerable lack of openness and respect for others. EHF considers that his fundamentalist moral positions do not allow this Commissioner Designate to hold the position of "Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security" which requires much impartiality in judgment and much more tolerance.

"EHF congratulates the Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament for having cast a negative vote with regard to the designation of Rocco Buttiglione. EHF asks President Barroso to proceed to replace Rocco Buttiglione, and if not, urges the European Parliament to oppose his nomination".