Newt Gingrich is urging North Carolina voters to approve a gay marriage ban.

Voters will decide on Amendment One during North Carolina's May 8 primary. The constitutional amendment would bar the state from recognizing the relationships of gay and lesbian couples with marriage, civil unions and possibly domestic partnerships.

In a video released on Monday, Gingrich said North Carolinian voters have an opportunity to “stand up for conservatism.”

The founding fathers believed “that we had a core commitment to a society in which we upheld principles that are historic. Principles that have been growing for 3000 years. Principles that are the base of human civilization. Marriage is one of those.”

“Marriage between a man and a woman is at the heart of our civilization. It's a belief that is now under attack and yet it's at the core of defining who we are.”

“That's why I urge you to vote for the initiative right here in North Carolina. The chance to vote for a referendum to declare clearly that marriage is between a man and a woman.”

Gingrich also linked the amendment to President Barack Obama.

“This is part of the same great process this year that's involved with President Obama and that's involved with the whole danger of what's happening to our basic beliefs. There's an effort by radicals at every level to change who we are. To change what America is. And to change for our children into a future that I think will be much worse.”