Race law inquiry hears mixed evidence

A parliamentary inquiry looking at proposed changes to Australia's race-hate laws has heard of the mental and physical harm attached to discrimination.

In Hobart on Monday the Joint Committee on Human Rights continued to gauge public reaction to the government's desire to remove the words "offend" and "insult" from the Racial Discrimination Act's section 18C.

"The evidence has been absolutely compelling that 18C should not be watered down," committee member and Greens Senator Nick McKim told reporters outside the meeting.

"Not only because of the mental harm that is caused to people when they are offended and insulted on the basis of their race, but we've heard evidence of the physical health issues that can flow from that mental harm including, for example, an increase in the incidence of asthma."

The inquiry on Monday heard from Tasmania's outgoing Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Robin Banks and human rights law professor Sarah Joseph.

Both rejected changes to the law in the proposed manner.

"I do not believe that those who wish to amend the Racial Discrimination Act have made any case for why the longstanding protections afforded under the Act should be removed," Ms Banks wrote in her submission to the inquiry.

Prof Joseph conveyed more alarming concerns.

"This debate has been run in a politically charged and frankly dishonest manner, such that the removal of those words could send a much more dangerous message than it would actually convey in law," 'she said.

However, there was support for change to the Act.

The Australian Christian Lobby called for a "better balance" of discrimination laws.

The inquiry continues with hearings due in Melbourne on Tuesday and Sydney on Wednesday.