WASHINGTON -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, mourns the loss and celebrates the life of Ann Kaner Roth -- a fierce ally, advocate and leader of the LGBTQ community in Minnesota and across the nation. Ann served as Executive Director of Project 515 and as co-chair of Minnesotans United for All Families through the historic and successful legislative campaign to win marriage equality in the North Star State. She was a member of HRC’s national Board of Governors, serving as a Governor for two years. Ann also served on the boards of the Equality Federation and the Family Equality Council. She went on to serve as Deputy Secretary of State for Minnesota. A loving wife and mother of three children, Ann dedicated her life to securing equality and civil rights for LGBTQ and all marginalized communities.
“The Human Rights Campaign family is deeply saddened by the loss of Ann, and our thoughts go out to her husband Marc, her children, and the entire Minnesota community she loved so dearly. Ann was a tireless leader and ally for LGBTQ equality, and her historic work to win marriage equality in Minnesota helped lead the entire nation to victory on the issue just a few years later," said Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign. "We will always be grateful for Ann's dedication and leadership. Her legacy will not be forgotten, and Minnesota will forever be a better place because of Ann."
In addition to her work for LGBTQ equality, Ann was also deeply invested in supporting the Jewish community in Minnesota and working for child welfare and equity in early childhood education. Governor Mark Dayton declared December 16th to be Ann Kaner-Roth Day in Minnesota via official state proclamation.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and in every community.
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