As you may be aware, the Russian government and specifically their President, Vladimir Putin are currently persecuting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people for no reason at all.
One of the greatest examples of this persecution would be recent rallies for LGBT equality which were peaceful until police force was called in and civilians were beaten, in some reported cases, to death. This along with a slew of draconian, anti-gay laws creates a good case against Russia.
I would like to urge President Obama & Congress to approve automatic asylum and refugee status to be granted to Russian LGBT people so that we may prevent a second holocaust in Europe. It is our duty to work to protect the civil liberties of all people regardless of their background, race, sexuality, or otherwise