The legal implications of gay, lesbian and bisexual relationships will be the focus of Gay Pride Week activities at West Virginia University as events sharing the theme Over the Rainbow and Down the Aisle begin.

WVU s Council on Sexual Orientation (COSO) Chair John Hagen said it is especially appropriate that this years events coincide with Valentines Day.

Community members, faculty, staff and students comprise COSO , a group that meets monthly to discuss gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered issues at WVU .

“Valentines Day is synonymous with love and commitment,”Hagen said.”This years activities will look at gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals and the legalities that often impede loving relationships.”

Events will include a 7 p.m. panel discussion tonight (Monday, Feb. 11) in the Mountainlairs Blackwater Room; a 7 p.m. presentation Tuesday (Feb. 12) in the Mountainlair Blackwater Room; and a 7 p.m. debate on the freedom to marry on Wednesday (Feb. 13) in the Mountainlairs Rhododendron Room.

There also will be an open- mic poetry reading on love at 7 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 14) in the Mountainlairs Blackwater Room. Events culminate at 7 p.m. Friday (Feb.15) with a gay wedding reception in E. Moore Hall to celebrate the diversity of relationships.

Information booths also will be prevalent in the Mountainlair throughout the week.

Gay Pride Week events are sponsored by COSO , WVU student group, the Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Mountaineers and the WVU Office for Social Justice.

For more information, call Hagen, 304-293-4040, ext. 8025.