Washington state pharmacists can continue to refuse dispensing the "morning-after pill" if it goes against their beliefs.

A panel of federal appeals judges ruled 2-1 not to reinstate the rule that requires pharmacists to distribute the emergency contraception.

Pharmacists and a drug store owner sued the state last year, saying that accepting the rule went against their religion.

In response, a Tacoma judge suspended the rule. But Washington state soon challenged the decision.

The state was hoping the panel would reinstate the rule while the decision was being appealed in court.