The New York State Assembly has just expanded the definition of terms of what rape is all about in its state. Now even unwanted anal and oral sexual assault is considered rape and thus punishable under law.

"Rape is rape, it is awful and it is something that cannot be justified or excused," Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Democrat from D-Manhattan and co-sponsor of the bill, said. "By amending the current law we recognize the trauma suffered by victims and ensure that rapists are effectively prosecuted."

The expansion of the state's rape law was triggered by the trial of former NYPD Officer Michael Pena, who assaulted Lydia Cuomo, a Bronx school teacher at gun point, but was only convicted for a criminal sexual act, not rape.

"Survivors of sexual assault have courageously come forward with their stories and have made it evident that what they've experienced is rape, even if it's currently interpreted otherwise," Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, a Democrat from Queens and the bill's primary sponsor, said. "This terrible and unnecessary violation of a person's body leaves emotional and physical scars that persist for years to come."

At present, NY state's rape law defines such only in cases of vaginal penetration, and that this must be proven.

But the bill removed the penetration clause requirement and then expanded it to include oral and anal sexual conduct.

"This case is one where an ordinary citizen came to the Capitol and caused a major bill to come to the floor of the Assembly, which is no easy hurdle," Ms Simotas said.

The attack on Ms Cuomo happened in 2011 when Mr Pena happened to be off-duty from work.

When Mr Pena was convicted for only a criminal sexual act, Ms Cuomo rallied on to explain that "it never occurred to her that it could be held, legally speaking, that she was merely sexually assaulted, not raped," the NY Daily News said.

Approved 105-0, the expanded rape bill is currently awaiting a co-sponsor in the State Senate.