Female Lawmakers Seek to Expand California's Definition of Rape

Some California lawmakers are seeking to broaden the state’s definition of rape. The move comes after a former Stanford student received just six months in jail despite being convicted on three counts of felony sexual assault.

The case against Brock Turner has garnered national attention in part for the light sentence he received, but also for the moving letter his victim read aloud in court detailing the trauma she’s dealt with since the assault. Female senators took time Monday to read portions of the letter on the California Senate floor.

"There are times I did not want to be touched. I have to relearn that I am not fragile, I am capable, I am wholesome, not just livid and weak," read Democratic state Sen. Lois Wolk.

Turner was charged with five felony counts for the January 2015 sexual assault. The two rape charges were later dropped.

In the Assembly Monday, Democrats Cristina Garcia and Susan Eggman announced a bill that would expand California’s definition of rape. Currently it is limited to nonconsensual intercourse. Eggman says it should be made clear that penetration with a foreign object is also rape.

"I think as we continue to see this woman-shaming, woman-blaming for your own assault, it’s really time to take a stand and say, why shouldn’t rapists be labeled rapists?" Eggman said.

The authors say they’re planning to move forward with their bill this week.