He penned an important concurrence on the role of animus in state bans on same - sex marriage .
Holmes was on the first federal appellate court panel to weigh affirmatively on the constitutional right of same - sex couples to marry .
Holmes penned an important concurrence on the role of animus in state bans on same - sex marriage .
Holmes was on the first federal appellate court panel to weigh affirmatively on the constitutional right of same - sex couples to marry .