California lawmakers pass rape bill inspired by Stanford case



Under current state law, those convicted of certain sex crimes such as rape by force and aggravated sexual assault of a child are ineligible for probation or a suspended sentence and must serve prison time.

AB 2888 would amend the law to create the same punishment for those convicted of rape, sodomy, penetration with a foreign object and oral sex if the victim was unconscious or incapable of giving consent due to intoxication.

The bill passed the state Assembly unanimously by a 66-0 vote and is now in Governor Jerry Brown’s hands. Co-auther of the legislation Democratic Assemblyman Bill Dod said in a written statement, “This bill is about more than sentencing, it’s about supporting victims and changing the culture on our college campuses to help prevent future crimes.”

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-rape-bill-idUSKCN1142G9