MADISON, Wis. -- The state Assembly Public Health Committee heard passionate testimony at a hearing Wednesday on the proposed statewide smoking ban.

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While it's unclear if the bill will be up for a vote before the end of the legislative session in two weeks, both sides offered arguments for or against the ban Wednesday at the state Capitol, WISC-TV reported.

"We would not tolerate someone suggesting there's a personal right to sprinkle deadly asbestos dust in an indoor public establishment. But something that's much more deadly to Wisconsin residents than asbestos, second-hand smoke, is tolerated," said Dr. Michael Fiore, director of the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research & Intervention.

Others said a ban presents too much government intervention.

"This bill to me represents an erosion of personal rights and individual freedoms. It represents the narrow mindset of the misguided impulse to advance the cause of the nanny state," said Rep. Leah Vukmir, R-Wauwatosa, of the Assembly Public Health Committee.

In the state Senate, a version of the bill passed with an amendment delaying the ban in taverns for two years.

The measure still hasn't received a vote on the floor because Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker said that he doesn't think it has the votes to pass.

Gov. Jim Doyle and other ban supporters have been pushing for a statewide ban for all workplaces, restaurants and taverns to take effect everywhere as soon as possible.

However, some lawmakers, as well as members of the state's Tavern League, have been pushing for a phase-in approach. The Tavern League has been running radio ads opposing the ban.

Smoke Free Wisconsin has organized a rally to support the ban in Madison on March 4 with Lance Armstrong.