France's Senate approved a bill defining rape as any non-consensual sexual act, aligning with other European countries, following a landmark case that highlighted issues of consent and sexual violence in France.
New York has expanded its legal definition of rape to include nonconsensual anal, oral, and vaginal sexual contact, addressing the limitations of the previous law highlighted in E. Jean Carroll's case against former President Donald Trump. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law, emphasizing that the new definition will make it easier for rape victims to prosecute perpetrators. The change also aims to provide better protection for LGBTQ individuals and aligns New York's laws with the experiences of survivors, according to state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who sponsored the legislation.