The Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament [official websites] has narrowly voted to oppose Italian European Affairs Minister Rocco Buttiglione [BBC profile] as the next EU Justice Commissioner. Opponents cite Buttiglione's views on homosexuality and the role of women as causing unease in the committee. Their finding is not binding on the EU but usually signifies a refusal of a nomination.

The European Parliament, which votes on a new commission October 27, cannot veto European Commission members, but instead votes for or against the entire 25-member team. An MP3 audio file of Buttiglione's appearance before the Civil Liberties Committee on October 5 is here, and a print summary in English is here [PDF]. BBC News has more.