In a strongly worded speech in State Parliament on Thursday, Mr Guy said the Victorian Coalition government would make a submission to the Commonwealth on the proposed changes, raising concerns about changes to section 18.

The Abbott government wants to remove provisions in the Act that make it unlawful for someone to act in a manner likely to "offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate" someone because of their race, colour or ethnicity.

The Victorian Liberal Minister appeared at odds with federal Attorney-General George Brandis - who triggered controversy after saying people had a right to be bigots.

"There isn't any place for bigotry in this country," Mr Guy told Parliament.

"I am concerned there may be some harmful and unintended impacts upon our community should the exposure draft as it stands be enacted."

He said he was also "genuinely concerned" about the broad nature of the proposed exemptions, which includes public discussion.

He said the Victorian government was "unambiguously opposed" to any form of discrimination based on an individual's race, faith, gender.

"The government believes all Australians have an obligation to protect and encourage social cohesion."

Mr Guy, who has Ukrainian heritage, also called on individuals and communities to provide input into the federal government's exposure draft and said he wanted to ensure ongoing harmony and cohesion in Victoria.

He said changes to Commonwealth legislation may override Victoria's legislation.

Mr Guy welcomed comments by Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council executive director Colin Rubenstein, who has lashed out at the changes for scrapping "any protection against public insults and humiliation on the grounds of race".