Only one-fifth of Oregon's same-sex couples opt for union

The Oregonian
February 3, 2009
Todd Simmons, 46, of Eugene, a communications director for Oregon State University, said he and his partner of 13 years went through a marriage ceremony in Florida in 1997 that they consider the primary commemorative event for their relationship. They've taken legal steps to combine finances and property but have not felt compelled to register as domestic partners.Now that they are adopting two foster boys, they expect to register, he said. But it's no mystery, he said, that more couples have not registered. "You're talking about asking people to voluntarily step into something that has been the subject of repeal efforts and terrible statements from public officials and ad campaigns," Simmons said. [Link]