Speaker Christine Quinn has vehemently opposed this legislation (pets in housing), going so far as to break the Council’s own rules to block the bill from getting a hearing. In April 2008, at our request, Council Member Tony Avella, the bill’s sponsor, invoked the “Sponsor’s Privilege” rule. This little-known Council rule allows the sponsor of a bill to force a hearing and vote on their legislation. Quinn broke the rule, refusing a hearing and a vote on Intro 13, effectively killing this bill.”