Australians’ rejection of the Indigenous Voice in constitutional vote is shameful, supporters say

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Indigenous campaigners who wanted Australia to create an advisory body representing its most disadvantaged ethnic minority say its rejection in a constitutional referendum was a “shameful act.” Many proponents of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament maintained a week of silence and flew Aboriginal flags at half-staff across Australia after the Oct. 14 vote. In an open letter to federal lawmakers, the campaigners said the result was “so appalling and mean-spirited as to be utterly unbelievable.” The letter writers blamed the result partly on the main opposition parties endorsing a “no” vote for political reasons.