Bigotry shouldn't be sanctioned: O'Farrell

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has warned his Liberal federal colleagues not to water down legal defences against racial and religious intolerance.

"There is no place for inciting hatred within our Australian society," he said on Thursday.

The federal government wants to repeal the contentious section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, removing prohibitions on public discussion and commentary that offends, insults or humiliates.

The plan has been widely criticised by the Labor opposition, ethnic communities who say it will open the door to racism, and even some coalition MPs.

And now Mr O'Farrell has joined the growing list of critics.

"In commendably seeking to protect freedom of speech, we must not lower our defences against race and religious intolerance," he said in Sydney.

The premier also made an apparent reference to controversial comments from federal Attorney-General George Brandis, who told parliament that people "do have a right to be bigots".

"Bigotry should never be sanctioned, whether intentionally or unintentionally," Mr O'Farrell said.

"No government, no organisation, no citizen can afford to be less than vigilant in condemning bigotry, intolerance and hatred.

"Frankly, our way of life depends on that vigilance."