Signaling a possible retreat, the Washington State Board of Pharmacy had delayed implementing a rule that would allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions they object to on moral and religious grounds. Gov. Chris Gregoire, many legislators and women’s rights groups loudly protested the board’s proposal when it was announced in early June. The plan was then submitted for public comment, where it has been properly pummeled. Of the nearly 2,500 responses, a mere 33 supported the new rule.

That’s not surprising since the rule was written with pharmacists, not patients, in mind. The public wants a policy that puts patients first. That’s how it’s done in most states.

Still, don’t be surprised if another less-than-satisfying ruling emerges when the board makes its decision, now slated for Aug 31. Rod Shafer, the executive director of the Washington State Pharmacy Association, a private trade group, maintains that an exception must be made for religious beliefs.

This controversy began when a few pharmacists refused to fill prescriptions for Plan B, the emergency contraceptive. We doubt the board can think of a way that women can get such a prescription filled without being inconvenienced by a pharmacist’s religious or moral objections.

This time the board needs to make it clear that pharmacists are expected to keep their religious beliefs in check if they want to keep their licenses.