Danilo Giuffrida was told he would have to take the test over again when the licensing examiner discovered that Giuffrida was gay even though the 27-year old had made no errors during the test.

Several years ago Giuffrida told doctors he was gay during a medical examination for military service. That information was then passed on the Ministry of Defense which in turn released it to other government departments including the Transport Ministry.

Italy requires one year of military service. At the time homosexuality was grounds for rejection by the army.

After he took the driving test to renew his license he was told he would have to repeat the test or have his license suspended on the grounds of his “sexual identity disturbance”.

The second time he also passed the test but was told he would receive only a one-year renewal, rather than the usual 10 years again on the excuse he is gay.

Giuffrida went to court.

“It was the first time I’d ever felt different,” he told the Italian media. “I’ve never had that problem before at home or outside.”

The court ruled that Giuffrida’s constitutional rights had been violated and that homosexuality could not be considered a “mental illness”. It awarded Giuffrida damages and costs totaling !00,000 euros.

His lawyer said he believed the verdict was the first time the Italian government has been found guilty of discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.