FOI/202400432661 · FOI · partially withheld
Correspondence relating to polyamory in education materials: FOI release
Information requested
Any internal or external correspondence, including any attachments, WhatsApp messages, text messages, instant messaging, memos, OneNotes, minutes, agendas, appendices or other correspondence, relating to polyamory in education materials.
Response
I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under section 30(b)(i) (substantial inhibition to free and frank provision of advice) and 38(1)(b) (third party personal data) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. The reasons why those exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter.
These exemptions are subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemptions. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because it will provide transparency on advice provided by Scottish Government officials.
However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring Scottish Government officials have the ability to provide free and frank advice without prejudice or challenge particularly in relation to subjects which may be considered to be highly sensitive.
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.
Detected exemption language
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under section 30(b)(i) (substantial inhibition to free and frank provision of advice) and 38(1)(b) (third party personal data) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. The reasons why those exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter. These exemptions are subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemptions.