I think the issue here is a question: what is the difference between a humane approach to complex issues and an endorsement of the status quo? Some of us think the gospel requires us to err on the side of compassion, others that the same gospel requires us to set limits for human behavior, and still others something in between. 
I don't think any one side is responsible for all the fear. I think "fear" is what we call the other side's insistence on their own positions. The underlying problem is, the gospel often gives us guidelines, not specific answers to specific issues.