BOISE -- Activist groups are hoping to convince state lawmakers that even if Idahoans don't think gay people should be allowed to marry, they shouldn't be discriminated against in areas such as housing and employment.

The groups are trying to pass an amendment to the Idaho Human Rights Act that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Right now, the act protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Three Idaho cities -- Boise, Troy and McCall -- have already passed local ordinances that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, and at least 17 states have similar laws, including Washington, which passed its version last year.

The groups will present their proposal before the Idaho Human Rights Commission on Monday.

But for it to take effect, it must be approved by the state's conservative Legislature, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 79-26.