(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