Commission threatened over anti-gay nominee

A key political group in the European Parliament has threatened to vote down the entire new Commission unless changes are made to the appointment of the Italian nominee to Justice who has condemned homosexuality as a sin.

Some want the new Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to reshuffle his Commissioners, possibly swapping the Italian’s post with a Frenchman who has the Transport portfolio.

The Liberal group, who could play a key role in the final vote to accept or reject the Commissioners at the end of the month, said they are prepared to bring down the entire college. The Parliament cannot vote for individual Commissioners.