LANSING — State Sen. Hansen Clarke says the passage of a federal hate crimes law should spur the state Senate to pass Michigan’s anti-bias crime legislation.

“People are still being discriminated against based on the sexual orientation and HIV status, and they need that protection,” the Detroit Democrat said.

Clark said the legislation is being held up by Senate Judiciary Chair Sen. Wayne Kuipers, a Holland Republican. But Clarke says the passage of the federal law, and its subsequentsigning into law by President Barack Obama in Oct. should have an impact on state legislation.

“I think it will have an impact on the public. So they understand that it is something we need in Michigan.” Clarke said. “And people in Sen. Kuipers’ district will help him understand how to do the right thing.”

The Michigan House passed anti-bias crimes legislation in May, 82-18. A similar measure passed in the last legislative session, but died in the Senate without a hearing in the Judiciary Committee which is chaired by Kuipers.