Discrimination at Electoral Office?

After being a regular visitor to Malta since 1985, I have always considered it my second home. Obviously because I love Malta and the Maltese people. We have many friends and now we have retired, decided to move here.

We were advised to get a Maltese ID card, so got the forms, filled them in and went to the Valletta Electoral Office. So far so good. My husband was very quickly seen to and sent on his way. Now this is where it gets sticky. I was absolutely shocked to be told that I could not get my ID card without my marriage certificate. I had my passport and my driving licence both with photos.

Both of these documents are official documents but I was told I needed the marriage certificate to verify my surname, which is on both passport and driving licence. I felt very angry and sexually harassed as my husband did not have to verify his surname.

I believe this is Maltese law, which I respect, but I would like someone to answer the question why women and not men.

My marriage certificate and other important documents are in a safety box in the UK, to which I will not return until end September.