He also promised to abide by the decision of a commission studying the proposed changes, which he directed to tap public sentiment.

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The decision came in a case concerning the physical and verbal abuse directed at Joseph Oncale, an oil-rig roustabout, by fellow male workers.

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His decision may have been sparked by a visit to St Petersburg over the weekend, where angry motorists directed a barrage of car horns at his motorcade and made what were reported to be rude gestures.

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