Ross Douthat recently pointed out that people are using the term “bigotry” much more broadly in the case of people objecting to same-sex marriage. My experience is similar. I’ve had more than one person tell me that Christian florists who refuse to service gay weddings are bigots even if the florists are following the dictates of conscience and aren’t motivated by animus at all.

But this is strange. We don’t typically call people bigots unless we think they’re culpable for their beliefs and actions. Consider a common definition: “Bigotry is a state of mind where a person obstinately, irrationally, unfairly or intolerantly dislikes other people, ideas, etc.”

To be a bigot, you must have certain states of mind where you dislike other people or ideas “obstinately, irrationally, unfairly or intolerantly.” That is, you must have epistemically culpable and/or morally culpable mental states.

Take Pope Francis as an example. His considered belief is that homosexual sex is not part of God’s plan for anyone. He presumably believes this on the basis of Catholic theology and personal experience. As a result, he would refuse to marry gays and lesbians. But it is hard to see that the man has a hateful or “bigoted” bone in his body. He does not obstinately, irrationally or unfairly dislike gays and lesbians. Nonetheless, many would call him bigoted for refusing to serve a gay wedding even if he did so solely because he believed that a God-that-is-Love-Itself is calling him to uphold the sanctity of traditional marriage in all areas of his life. Pope Francis opposes same-sex marriage, he will not marry gay couples, and he is not a bigot.

Perhaps you want to continue using the term “bigoted” or “hateful” in the less accurate and general sense. But then the terms don’t justify the outrage typically paired with their use. What’s the point of calling someone a bigot if he lacks culpability?* If his actions are driven purely by good intentions and sincerely held beliefs? You surely can’t blame Francis for not wanting to marry gays and lesbians, right? Even if he does wrong, he is surely morally excused.

I conclude that calling conservative Christian bakers, florists, photographers and planners “bigots” is confused unless you can show that they are culpable for their sincere religious beliefs and accordant actions. Few of us can demonstrate as much.

* Part of the point might be to socially signal to others that you’re a good person and that you hate the outgroup, but I leave that aside here.