He was shot because somebody out there was able to conclude that he was an abortionist, not a human being. It's not an objective term, it's an objectifying term, and the object being projected is one many people find disgusting or disgraceful (and a few, apparently warranting murder). The only stigma I feel about the term is associated with the manner of it's employ, and the people who tend to employ it.

You're not being honest, Will, because I know you're smarter than this. Otherwise, I expect to see you boldly, shamelessly using the word "Sodomites" much more often, what with it being a technically objective term, and all. [You could substitute "fudgepackers", if you prefer to avoid the religious overtones.]