Bad news from 9th Circuit, but pharmacy still protected
Wednesday, Jul 8, 2009
“The 9th Circuit’s decision does not impact our clients. The state has agreed not to enforce the pharmacy regulation pending trial,” says ADF-allied attorney Kristen Waggoner, lead counsel, with the Seattle law firm Ellis, Li & McKinstry, PLLC.
“Pharmacists and other health-care workers shouldn’t be punished for abiding by their beliefs. They should never be forced to abandon their pro-life convictions in order to appease a government agenda,” said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Steven H. Aden. “We, together with lead counsel, continue to look forward to defending our client’s rights of conscience in this lawsuit.”
In November 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington issued a preliminary injunction against the regulations while a lawsuit filed against state officials proceeds. The state then asked the 9th Circuit to stay the injunction so the regulations would remain in effect during the appeal, but a 9th Circuit panel rejected that request in May of last year. However, today the 9th Circuit lifted the preliminary injunction issued by the district court.
ADF is a legal alliance of Christian attorneys and like-minded organizations defending the right of people to freely live out their faith. Launched in 1994, ADF employs a unique combination of strategy, training, funding, and litigation to protect and preserve religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage, and the family.