Page 233 - Katherine Ryan press pack

https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/katherine-ryan-on-why-she-chose-a-civil-partnership-over-
marriage

Why Katherine Ryan Chose A Civil

Partnership Over Marriage

NICK LEVINE
LAST UPDATED 15 DECEMBER 2019, 11:43

Katherine Ryan has revealed that she and partner Bobby Kootstra chose to
enter into a civil partnership instead of getting married.

Ryan, who co-presented Channel 4's alternative election night coverage this

week, recently reunited with Kootsra, her childhood sweetheart, after 20 years
apart.

“I entered into a civil partnership. It’s perfect having a civil partner," the
comedian said on Saturday's episode of The Jonathan Ross Show.

“We didn’t have a wedding," she continued. "I didn’t need to put on a white

dress and pretend to be a virgin – that ship has sailed!"

She and Kootstra entered into their civil partnership in Denmark because it

was "quickest and cheapest", she added.

Ryan joked that her daughter "put Chanel glasses on and moped around
[Copenhagen landmark] Tivoli Gardens" when she found out about the civil
partnership, but is now totally supportive.

"It’s a beautiful thing because she really loves him and it means she trusts me

again. I actually made a good decision for once," Ryan said.

Civil partnerships were introduced in the UK in 2004 to allow same-sex

couples to recognise their relationships legally for the first time. Since 2014,
same-sex couples in most parts of the UK have also be able to choose marriage

as a way of formally recognising their relationship.

As of December 2019, mixed-sex couples in the UK can also register for a civil
partnership. Prime Minister Theresa May announced last year that civil