[2] The proposal was approved by 53% of voters, resulting in a law allowing divorce under certain conditions being enacted later in the year.

This was eventually provided for through a separate Parliamentary resolution under the Referenda Act authorising a facultative, non-binding referendum to be held.

The Catholic Church in Malta encouraged a "no" vote through a pastoral letter issued on the Sunday before the referendum day.

The English version of the question put to voters was as follows: Do you agree with the introduction of the option of divorce in the case of a married couple who has been separated or has been living apart for at least four (4) years, and where there is no reasonable hope for reconciliation between the spouses, whilst adequate maintenance is guaranteed and the children are protected?

[7] Although for the purposes of the referendum the whole country was regarded to be a single constituency — taking into account electoral districts — in only three out of the thirteen did the "no" vote reach a majority.