POSITION PAPER

Definition of a Position Paper

It is an essay that presents an opinion about an issue –
typically that of the author or some specified entity.
It is a critical analysis of current facts, data and research
literature.
It presents the arguable opinion about an issue.
Purposes of a Position Paper
To help you understand your nation’s views and interests on the
various issues that you will discuss during the conference
To generate support from the readers through strong and valid
assertions
To generate support on an issue. It describes a position on an issue
and the rational for that position.
Parts of a Position Paper
Introduction
a. Identification of the issue
b. Statement of the position
Body
a. Background information
b. Supporting of the position
c. Discussion of both sides of the issue
Conclusion
a. Suggested courses of action
b. Possible solutions
Steps in Writing A Position Paper
1. Decide on a topic
2. Write your position idea
3. Gather your sources
4. Decide what sort of claim you are writing
5. Do prewriting about your audience
6. Outline
7. Write your paper
8. Do peer editing
9. Re-vise your draft
10. Final Proofread
What are the issues in which a position
paper may be effectively used?
Social Issues
Educational Issues
Technology
Media
Relationships
War and Peace
Environmental Issues
Politics
How to write a Position Paper

Position papers are usually one to one-and-a-half pages in length.

You may choose an issue on which you have already formed an
opinion
Prior to writing your position paper, define and limit your issue
carefully.
Narrow the topic of your position paper to something manageable.
Choose an issue where there is a clear division of opinion and
which is arguable with facts and inductive reasoning
Research your issue thoroughly, consulting experts and
obtaining primary documents
Your position paper should include a brief introduction
followed by a comprehensive breakdown of your country’s
position on the topics that are being discussed by the
committee
You will not only provide facts but also make proposals for
resolutions
Consider feasibility, cost-effective and political/social climate
when evaluating possible solutions and courses of action.
Use evidence to support your position, such as statistical
evidence or dates and events
Validate your position with authoritative references or primary
source quotations
Examine the strengths and weaknesses of your position
Evaluate possible solutions and suggest courses of action
Ten Characteristics of a Good Position Paper

1. A paper should be in the author’s own words

2. A position paper should have a clear purpose
3. A paper should be well organized
4. A paper should flow
5. A paper should be clear
6. A paper should be complete
7. A position paper should be focused
8. A paper should be substantively correct
9. A paper should be mechanically correct
10.A position paper should be creative
 A POSITION PAPER ON THE LEGALIZATION OF
SAME SEX MARRIAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES
Same-sex marriage is defined as the union of two individuals of the same sex
in a marital relationship with full legal rights and responsibilities given to this
contract in a specific jurisdiction. It is the subject of debate and controversy of
numerous experts as of today. . The practice of homosexual marriage is not a
recent event as it has been around during the Greek and Roman periods.This
type of marriage is only limited to a minority of jurisdictions at a few countries in
which it is available. Countries in which same-sex marriage is allowed include
Norway, South Africa, France, England, and the most recent countries are Ireland
and the United States of America. Now there is the issue in whether Philippines
should also legalize same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage should be prohibited
in the Philippines as is it clearly contradicts with its culture, especially as the
country is dominated by the Catholic religion and its teachings.
 It is a common view for the society to see marriage between heterosexual
couples, there are others who would want to argue. Equality of rights is usually
the argument of same-sex marriage supporters. They believe that homosexual
and lesbian couples should have the same rights of marriage as those of
heterosexual couples. Supporters of the LGBT community have argued that by
giving them the right to marry promotes equality as the government has finally
recognized their rights, and thus dissolves discrimination.
The Philippines, however, is a Catholic country. Legalizing same-sex marriage
here clearly contradicts the teachings and doctrine of the Church. Rev. Fr. Jose
Glicerio Geremia defines marriage as the union of man and woman.
 So when a man is married to a man or woman married to a woman, this
violates the Church’s doctrine. It will weaken the respect and value of marriage,
since marriage is considered sacred and almost every society views marriage as a
union between men and women only. Whereas same-sex- marriage promotes
partnership, it is not, however, the normal type of partnership. 
Fr. Geremia mentions that the main purpose of the said union or the
marriage is for men and women to reproduce offsprings. Therefore, in this sense,
same-sex marriage is not beneficial as homosexual and lesbian couples are
incapable of reproduction and cannot be considered as a full-fledged family.
Even with the choice of adoption, or having surrogate mothers or sperm donors,
it is still not the same case. 
 Then there is the concept of family. Families are commonly composed of a
father, a mother and a child or children. Although LGBT supporters argue that
what children need are not biological male and female parents but the
masculine and feminine roles of the parents. Most of the Filipinos are Catholics
and they are usually family-oriented. In their perspective, having this kind of
marriage would break their Filipino values.
Then there is the issue regarding of the acceptance of the Filipinos to same-
sex couples. A survey conducted by Rappler shows that thirty percent of the
Filipino population “agrees” with the legalization of the said marriage. This
shows the fact that some citizens of the Philippines are ready for it and that they
clearly approve.
“The Church says that homosexuals should be treated with love and respect, but
redefining the natural and divine institution of marriage is simply something we
are not able to do,” these are the words of Father Marcos Gonzales of St. John
Chrysostom, a Roman Catholic parish in Inglewood, California.
In conclusion, reasons why same-sex marriage is not to be legalized to the
reasons: it contradicts the catholic doctrine, it is not beneficial, it weakens the
respect for marriage, and that the Filipino mindset is still not ready for it. But
while people oppose the thought of this kind of marriage, it is hoped that
homosexuals and lesbian should still be considered with compassion and
respect.