The DUP in Ballymena is opposing a decision by the council to bestow the freedom of the borough on actor Liam Neeson in recognition of his "achievements and international status".
While 12 councillors endorsed the motion on Monday night to honour the Ballymena-born star, seven DUP councillors and two United Unionists voted against it in protest at some "derogatory" remarks Mr Neeson had made about his childhood there.
Neeson, who received an Oscar nomination for his title role in Schindler's List, is reported as saying that he used to feel like a "second-class citizen" during the July 12th celebrations.
The Ulster Unionist mayor of Ballymena, Mr James Currie, said, "Mr Neeson also described himself as British and accepted the OBE. He is a son of Ballymena - at the moment he is our most famous son all over the world."
DUP councillors were angry that a similar motion put seven years ago, to bestow the freedom of the borough on their party leader and MP for the constituency, the Rev Ian Paisley, had still not been discussed by the council.
A DUP motion to honour both men on the same occasion was rejected by Mr Currie.
Mr Ian Paisley junior, an MLA for the area, described the council's decision as a "major gaffe" and said he "completely endorsed" his party's stance on the matter.
As to the DUP's attempt to include the Rev Ian Paisley in the honours, Mr Paisley jnr said his father "never requested" any such honour and was not interested in accolades awarded by Ulster Unionists and the SDLP.
"Dr Paisley is more than delighted that the people of Ballymena have made him their number one in election after election. That is all the accolade he needs," he told The Irish Times.
A spokeswoman for Ballymena Borough Council confirmed that the council had informed Neeson of its plans and was awaiting a response.