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11 and 12 February 1956 -The Integration Referendum of 1956.
Although it was won by a relative majority since 67,607 voted in favour and 20,177 against. The British government did not accept the result because 62,440 voters abstained.
28 April 1958 - Riots after Mintoff’s government resigned
January 1959 - Three months after he is elected Pope John XX111 gives notice of intention to convene Vatican Council II .
January 1961 - AAPSO Conference –Attended by Dom Mintoff and Anton Buttigieg. The conference was later described by the church as a communist front.
17 March 1961 – MLP accuses Church of interfering in political affairs
8 April 1961 – Bishops issue Interdiction Decree
21 May 1961 - Tokk Meeting at Rabat Gozo. The meeting was interrupted by the crowds instigated by the church.
16 September 1961 - MLP executive member Joe Micallef Stafrace’s wedding which had to take place in the sacristy since he was interdicted.
18 September 1961 - Guze Ellul Mercer dies and is the first to be buried in the Mizbla (unconsecrated grounds in the cemetery).
11 October 1962 - Vatican Council II is convened for the first time.
Election of 1962- PN wins by 63,262 votes in the first general election to take place during the interdiction. George Borg Olivier becomes Independent Malta’s first Prime Minister in 1964.
2, 3 and 4 May 1964 - The Independence referendum is won by 65,714 votes in favour and 54,919 against.
20 August 1964 - MLP executive member Lino Spiteri’s Wedding which had to take place in the sacristy since he was interdicted.
21 September 1964 - Malta becomes an independent state under the premiership of George Borg Olivier
1966 – PN wins the second general election to take place during the interdiction with 68,656 votes.
4 April 1969 - Interdiction decree lifted after the Bishops and MLP officials signed a joint statement saying that relations had improved and the Church was going to refrain from imposing mortal sin as a means of censorship
1971 – MLP wins its first general election since independence by 85,448 votes after the interdiction is lifted. MLP goes on to obtain Republic status for Malta. Sir Anthony Mamo becomes Malta’s first President.
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