A ring as a symbol of marriage may seem cliché, but I think it is a symbol that represents the core of the discussion. Laws are being voted on this November to give gays the exact same rights as married couples, but without the wording ‘marriage’. Essentially allowing a compromise that leaves both parties better off or established. The rings represent marriage and show the distinction between marriage and the civil unions. The debate and arguments are over the possession of the rings. Gay marriage in that sense is very much like Lord of the Rings.