BOISE, Idaho (AP) — After finishing three days of testimony, Idaho lawmakers will vote Thursday on legislation that would create protections for gay and lesbian people in the state.

The House State Affairs Committee listened to nearly 20 hours of testimony from supporters of religious freedom and hundreds of gay rights activists.

The bill has been denied a public hearing for nine consecutive years by the Republican-controlled Statehouse. While getting a full hearing is the most progress the bill has made in the Statehouse, the legislation is not expected to survive the largely conservative committee.

The committee will convene Thursday at 8 a.m. for closing statements, where they will then debate and vote on the bill.