LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska legislative committee has heard hours of testimony on bills that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in hiring, adoptions and foster parent selection.

The Judiciary Committee heard from supporters Wednesday who said the bills would provide more homes for needy children and keep Nebraska’s job market competitive.

Opponents included representatives for Nebraska Catholic Conference and Thomas More Society. They argued that opposite-sex parents are best suited to raise children and said that the hiring bill could conflict with employers’ religious beliefs.

The committee’s chairman said the panel won’t vote on the bills until next week at the earliest.

Sen. Colby Coash of Lincoln said he’s not sure of the legislation’s chances of advancing to the overwhelmingly conservative full Legislature, where he said it would face a tough road.