Racial hate protections must stand

New Private Senators' legislation to change the Racial Discrimination Act should be voted down at the first available opportunity, says Australian Greens spokesperson for legal affairs Senator Penny Wright.

"This legislation is fanning the flames of division right when we need to be coming together as a nation," Senator Wright said.

"A groundswell of public opinion has defeated this legislation once and we are confident any proposal to bring it back will also fail.

"It is bad idea and terribly irresponsible timing from Senators Day, Bernardi and Leyonhjelm.

"The Australian Greens will not support any move to weaken protections against racial vilification, and we would encourage the major parties to join us in voting down this legislation as soon as possible."