http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/07/30/1407343/-Appeals-court-rules-pharmacists-can-t-deny-medicine-because-of-religious-beliefs?detail=email
It has been a few years of disappointing legal decisions concerning a pharmacist's ability to deny medications (specifically Plan B contraception) on the basis that it conflicts with their religious beliefs. Last week however, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco overturned an important ruling in Washington state, that had said it was okay for pharmacists to refuse a patient medicine.
In Washington, the state permits a religiously objecting individual pharmacist to deny medicine, so long as another pharmacist working there provides timely delivery. The rules require a pharmacy to deliver all medicine, even if the owner objects.
A unanimous three-judge 9th Circuit panel on Thursday decided that the rules are constitutional because they rationally further the state's interest in patient safety. Speed is particularly important considering the time-sensitive nature of emergency contraception, the court said.
"The time taken to travel to another pharmacy, especially in rural areas where pharmacies are sparse, may reduce the efficacy of those drugs," wrote Judge Susan Graber.
This won't end the legal battle, but it is a victory for those of us who believe women's rights are more important than people excusing their hubris by saying they know God better than someone else.
The store and pharmacists who sued the state in 2007 plan to appeal, either to the full circuit court or directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. Unless a court steps in, the state will be able to enforce the rule against the plaintiffs as it already may against other pharmacies.
“It potentially means that Ralph’s is going to lose their store, so they will appeal,” said Kristen Waggoner, an attorney with Seattle firm Ellis, Li & McKinstry who — along with Steve O’Ban, a lawyer and state senator from Tacoma — represents the plaintiffs. “There’s a lot at stake.”s
NEW RULES
republicans and right wingers and religious zealots no longer get to wrap themselves in God and be willing to let one of God's children die for a principle they make null and void by the sheer Godless acts of bigotry and discrimination neither of which is a tenet in Christendom they are alive and thriving in the evangelical sect though but still they are the biggest perpetrators so no free ride stop using God for your devilish agenda!!!!!!!!!!!
finally to those pharmacist who oppose read your oath bigot, or get another job.
