Queens Lawmaker Pushes for Stronger Rape Laws

Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas plans to introduce a bill to broaden the definition of rape.

A Queens assemblywoman wants to strengthen the state's rape laws after a former police officer avoided a rape conviction in a gunpoint attack on a schoolteacher.

 
On Wednesday, a jury convicted ex-officer Michael Pena on charges, including predatory sexual assault, that could put him in prison for decades.
 
But the jury deadlocked on two counts of rape. 
 
Pena's lawyer admitted there was an assault but said his client never penetrated the woman.
 
Under current state law, only intercourse is considered rape.
 
New York State Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas said Friday she plans to introduce a bill to broaden that definition. The Daily News reported that Simotas' bill would add oral, anal and aggravated sexual assault to the list of rape offenses. 

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