Original sentence: A proposal to repeal the law was considered in a 1981 national referendum, but was rejected by nearly 68% of voters; another referendum aimed at eliminating the restrictions was rejected by 88.4%
Edited sentence: Although a proposal to repeal the law was considered in a 1981 national referendum, it was rejected by nearly 68% of voters; however, another referendum, this one aimed at eliminating the restrictions, was rejected by an even larger 88.4%