(RALEIGH) -- Gov. Bev Perdue is taking a stronger stance against Amendment One. She appears in a video posted on YouTube strongly denouncing the proposed amendment that would define marriage as between one man and one woman.

"It would ban the state from recognizing civil unions, strip away domestic partner benefits and it actually could eliminate legal protections for all unmarried couples in this state," said Perdue. "This will harm the security and stability of North Carolina families like never before."

The statement drew criticism from Republican Rep. Paul Stam who said certain aspects of the video are not true, such as the threat of domestic partner benefits, which does not exist.

"The second sentence of the amendment, which she conveniently ignores specifically protects the rights of private parties to offer benefits on whatever basis they want to offer," said Stam.

Perdue released the video ahead of an appearance at a women's summit in Charlotte on Friday where she is expected to talk about the issue. North Carolina voters will decide on Amendment One on May 8.