Freedom of conscience concept 'in question'

The Studenti Demokristjani Maltin (SDM) have expressed extreme disappointment at the rejection by the European Parliament's civil liberties committee of Rocco Buttiglione's nomination as European Commissioner for Justice, Liberty and Security.

The vote against Prof. Buttiglione's nomination came after the Italian Commissioner-designate's comments to the parliamentary committee in which he argued that homosexuality was a sin but stressed that his personal beliefs would have no influence over his policies as commissioner.

The SDM said it was aware of the non-binding nature of the vote taken but nevertheless described the vote as "a blow against the freedom of expression and moral values of the human person".

The SDM said Prof. Buttiglione has always been an advocate for Christian Democratic ideals. Prof. Buttiglione's rejection, the SDM said, puts into question the concept of freedom of conscience.