BRUSSELS, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The incoming European Commission president has proposed redefining the duties of controversial conservative justice commissioner Rocco Buttiglione.
Jose Manuel Barroso, the commission president-designate, showed European parliamentary leaders a letter from Buttiglione, who said he wanted the post and would be willing to step aside whenever "a conflict might arise between my conscience and my duty as a commissioner."
Buttiglione faces stiff opposition among many of the members of parliament for his conservative values, the Financial Times said. He has said stated he considers homosexuality a sin, that marriage exists to allow women to have children and the protection of a male. Last week he said single mothers were not very good people.
Barroso said he believes the compromise will overcome an expected revolt in the parliament next Wednesday, when members vote on whether to let his commission start work Nov. 1.
As justice and security commissioner, Buttiglione would be responsible for ensuring all EU legislation complied with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, a guarantee of protection against discrimination on gender or sexual orientation grounds.
