Code of Federal Regulations Title 5. Administrative Personnel § 5.720.901 Equal opportunity without regard to politics or marital status

(a) In appointments and position changes. In determining the merit and fitness of a person for competitive appointment or appointment by noncompetitive action to a position in the competitive service, an appointing officer shall not discriminate on the basis of the person's political affiliations, except when required by statute, or on the basis of marital status

(b) In adverse actions and termination of probationers. An agency may not take an adverse action against an employee covered by part 752 of this chapter, not effect the termination of a probationer under part 315 of this chapter, (1) for political reasons, except when required by statute, or (2) because of marital status.