(AP) — Two California lawmakers are pushing for an expanded definition of rape under state law in response to the Stanford University case that has drawn national attention.
California law now describes rape as "an act of sexual intercourse." Under this definition, ex-Stanford swimmer Brock Turner was instead convicted of sexual assault.
Many states have adopted the more inclusive FBI definition, which labels rape as penetration with any body part or object.
Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia of Bell Gardens calls this gap a "loophole" in the criminal code. She introduced legislation Monday to change the definition.
Members of the California Senate women's caucus also voiced their support for the victim Monday, reading portions of her letter to Turner aloud.
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