Controversial EU nominee wavers

The European Parliament is in turmoil over Mr Buttiglione

Italy's controversial nominee for EU justice commissioner has hinted that he might "renounce" his new job.

On Monday, a panel of MEPs decided that Rocco Buttiglione, a devout Catholic who regards homosexuality as a sin, was unsuitable for the justice post.

"I have enough faith to renounce a job in the Commission if need be," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"Now the question is entirely out of my hands, it is in the hands of the European Parliament," he said.

European Parliament leaders have failed to agree on the fate of Mr Buttiglione, who also holds conservative views on marriage.

I don't know if I have the faith to have my head cut off for my beliefs, but I have enough faith to renounce a job in the Commission if need be Rocco Buttiglione Profile: Rocco Buttiglione Italians 'affronted' by row

Parliament President Josep Borrell said it would simply forward its views to the incoming Commission President, Jose Manuel Durao Barroso.

Mr Durao Barroso said on Tuesday he had full faith in his new team of 24 commissioners, including Mr Buttiglione.

EU law does not allow the European Parliament to accept or reject individual members of the commission - it can only veto an entire team.

Key talks

Mr Durao Barroso is next scheduled to meet parliament leaders on 21 October.

The parliament will vote on 27 October to decide whether to accept the new commission.

HAVE YOUR SAY Anyone with such extreme views is unfit for public office John M, Lyne Meads, UK Send us your comments

"There is no doubt, I think, it is better for the European Parliament and for Europe to have a man of conscience, but if I should be discriminated (against) because I am a Catholic, I prefer to remain a Catholic," Mr Buttiglione told the BBC.

Mr Buttiglione was pressed on whether his views were offensive to many people in the modern world.

He said: "I think that many people are sinners, including myself, and I don't think them to be worse sinners than myself. It is a theological issue, and it should not interfere with our policies."

Mr Buttiglione, who is close to the Vatican and a member of the Christian Democrat UDC party, said during a confirmation hearing in Brussels that he considered homosexuality "a sin".

He went on to say the aim of marriage was "to allow women to have children and to have the protection of a male".