Leno: Something that shocked me about Russia. I am surprised this is not a huge story. Homosexuality is against the law. I mean, this seems like Germany. Let’s round up the Jews. Let’s round up the gays. Let’s round up the blacks. I mean, it starts with that. You round up people who you don’t like. I mean, I’m… Why is not more of the world outraged by this?

Obama: Well, I’ve been very clear that, when it comes to universal rights, when it comes to people’s basic freedoms,  whether you are discriminating on the basis of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation you are violating the basic morality that I think should transcend every country. I have no patience for countries that try to treat gays and lesbians or transgender persons in ways that intimidate them or are harmful to them.

What’s happening in Russia is not unique. When I travel to Africa, there were some countries that are doing a lot of good things for their people, who were working with and helping on development issues, but, in same cases, were persecuting gays and lesbians. It makes for some uncomfortable press conferences sometimes, but one of things that I think is very important for me to speak out on is making sure that people are treated fairly and justly because that’s what we stand for and I believe that’s a precept that’s not unique to America. THat’s just something that should apply everywhere.

Leno: Do you think it will affect the Olympics?

Obama: I think Putin and Russia have a big stake in making sure the Olympics work, and I think they understand that for most of the countries that participate in the Olympics, that we wouldn’t tolerate gays and lesbians being treated any differently. They’re athletes. They’re there to compete. If Russia wants to uphold the Olympic spirit then every judgement should be made on the track or in the swimming pool or on the balance beam. People’s sexual orientation shouldn’t have anything to do with it.