No individual shall be appointed or promoted to, or dismissed from, any position, or in any way favored or discriminated against with respect to employment because of his or her political or religious opinions or affiliations. No employee shall engage in any political activity during the hours of his or her employment. There shall be no restriction placed on the political activities of an employee other than during his or her actual hours of employment. An off-duty employee shall enjoy all the rights and privileges regarding political activity of any private citizen. Neither an appointing authority nor any employee in his or her department shall in any way undertake, or threaten to degrade, discharge, or demote, or in any manner change the official position or pay of any employee, officer, or official for giving or withholding, or neglecting to make any contribution of money or any valuable thing for any party or for any political purpose whatsoever.