If you like it then you better put a ring on it.

The Ring Pop, a jewel-shaped hard candy associated with sticky hands, stained mouths and childhood bliss, has become a symbol of marriage — and not necessarily between a man and a woman.

The Lambda Alliance, the University’s LGBT student association, will combine politics and romance in an interactive demonstration at the Tate Plaza between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. today.

The event, called, “Just Married: Prop 8 Awareness,” allows any and all students to “marry” the partner or partners of their choice using Ring Pop wedding rings.

The fake marriage proposals are part of the group’s response to California’s Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot measure that outlawed same-sex marriage and is now being challenged in federal court.

Lambda hopes using Ring Pops for the demonstration will entice students passing through Tate to get as involved as possible in order to spark interest and inform the campus community, said Caitlin McCook, director of public affairs for Lambda.

“I think the most important thing to understand is that marriage rights is a huge umbrella term that encompasses more than just a legal document and some tax breaks, although those are nice,” she said. “It also pertains to medical and life insurance, inheritance rights and even the right to visit your partner in the hospital.”

McCook said she has noticed more support and tolerance in the University community, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

She and her partner have discussed maybe getting married in the future, and they plan to be “Tate-married” today.

“I think I’ll vow to pay for groceries next month,” McCook said.

Lambda recognizes and respects the many positions on gay marriage, and they view this demonstration as chance to raise awareness and start a conversation.

“Love has no bounds,” said Andrew Slagle, senior management major from Marietta. “I hope people will realize that.”