A controversial bill aimed at making conspiracy a crime will likely take its first step toward law as the ruling coalition is ready to ask a House of Representatives panel to approve the legislation over strong objections from the opposition parties.

The government-sponsored bill would allow authorities to crack down on members of organizations who agree to commit a crime, even if they don't actually perpetrate one.

Lawyers and citizen groups are protesting the legislation because they fear it will end up giving the government excessive control over the public.