Independent and Opposition Senators last night voted through a key change to the legislation.

The amendment had been put forward by Independent Sen. Alf Oughton .

It stated: "The Question of whether or not Independence is favoured in Bermuda shall not be taken to have been determined by the referendum unless a majority of the persons entitled to vote under Section 2 (3) of this Act vote either "yes'' or "no''.'' Government Senators had opposed the amendment, claiming it flew in the face of democracy, and normal practice.

They also said it was impractical and made the referendum unworkable.

But the vote was passed 6 to 5 after the three Independent Senators linked up with the Progressive Labour Party.

Now the amended Bill will have to be discussed by the House of Assembly, which reconvenes on May 6.

It could be then thrown back to the Senate if MPs change the legislation again.

Earlier, Sen. Oughton explained his amendment was aimed at safeguarding against a low turn-out at a referendum.

He wanted to ensure a referendum was decided by at least 50 percent of people entitled to vote.

Sen. Oughton withdrew an earlier amendment after claims it was badly worded.

Controversy over this amendment had caused the Senate to adjourn debate on the Bill on Monday.

The adjournment allowed Sen. Oughton time to seek a lawyer and reword his proposal.

Government Senate leader the Hon. Gerald Simons understood Sen. Oughton's worries.

But he said the Bill flew in the face of democracy.

"I feel to put this ruling in place runs contrary to our custom and practice,'' he said.

He added it flouted Bermuda's "constitutional arrangements''.

Opposition Senate Leader Sen. Milton Scott said the Progressive Labour Party had already pledged its support for the amendment.

Senate Vice-President Sen. Norma Astwood (Ind) then expressed her opinion on the Bill for the first time.

In a wide-ranging and meandering speech, she said Bermudians over the last two years had been looking for leadership, direction and guidance.

They had been asking for Parliament to take a stand on "matters that come before the House''.

It was time to stop being "wishy-washy''.

Unfortunately, there was a perception among Bermudians that Government was divided over Independence.

"The pot has been well stirred, and people are steamed up.'' Sen. Astwood said it was important to get moving on the legislation because it was causing instability in the community.

"We can't dilly dally. We have to make up our minds.'' The issue had reached a crescendo, and people were waiting for the final chord to be struck, she added.

"There must be an end to this. We really need to strike the final chord.'' Sen. Astwood touched on Bermuda's history and development.

She said Bermuda had been "equal to the task of looking after ourselves for the past couple of decades''.

"Now we have got to the age of maturity.'' Turning to the Bill, she voiced concern about the "matter of majority and the matter of what is a simple majority''.

Sen. Astwood called for an assurance Government would not cross the Atlantic to Britain without a "sizeable'' majority in favour of Independence.

She also expressed worries about the proposed wording on the referendum ballot paper.

It was misleading to ask "are you in favour of Independence?'', and then expect people to tick "yes'' or "no'' boxes.

How could someone say "No, I'm in favour of Independence''? Sen. Astwood reminded Senators any decision to go Independent was irreversible.

"There is no turning back.'' She went on to appeal for Government to mount an information blitz to educate people about the pros and cons of Independence. There should be brochures and pamphlets.

To Sen. Simons she said: "Is the Minister prepared to assure us that will happen and promptly?'' She also repeated her demand for an assurance Government would require a "sizeable majority'' for Independence.

And she asked for an undertaking Government would proceed with haste on the referendum.

There should be no dilly-dallying and "holding up of the works'', she said.

Sen. Simons believed everybody shared Sen. Astwood's concerns.

"We should not have the public dangling while the issue is unresolved.'' He said uncertainty put an "arrow in the quiver'' of rival overseas jurisdictions competing for international business.

"Clearly this issue needs to be decided.'' Sen. Simons assured Sen. Astwood there would be an information blitz, involving many parts of the community.

Schools would help educate children, and the library and working men's clubs would get involved.

On polling day, Bermudians should be fully aware what the question on the referendum ballot paper meant.

If Government felt there was any confusion, it would rephrase the question.

Sen. Simons also assured Sen. Astwood Government would not "slacken'' its resolve in tackling other issues, including the closure of the Bases.

Government would not be deflected, he stressed.

Sen. Simons then turned to Sen. Astwood's key concern on numbers voting in a referendum.

He said Government would encourage people to vote.

"I can anticipate efforts will be made to ensure a very large percentage of the electorate come out to vote.'' At this stage, Sen. Astwood , who was chairing the committee, cut Sen. Simons short.

She said a vote should be taken on the amendment. The amendment was approved by six to five vote.