Is it sexual harassment if I ask a co-worker for a date?

As long as there are no conditions regardless her response.  That is if you're not going to use her answer against/for hers/his career prospects, then it is not harassment. 

Yes, I agree with Ibtisam Mbarak F.Al - Jabry, especially the area where he used "against/for hers/his career", it was funny.So, go ahead Mohamad, as long as you don't have other intentions in mind, best of luck!

Dear Mohamed,

I would certainly suggest that you review your employer's employee handbook for any guidelines that your employer may have regarding dating other employees.

There should not normally be a problem if you are both employees and you are not her supervisor.

However, what would appear to be perfectly legal, when co-workers date, can give rise to liability under certain circumstances – and a situation where a sexual harassment attorney may become necessary:

1- When that relationship is based on anything other than mutual consent.

2- Where the relationship spills over into the workplace creates a hostile work environment with inappropriate touching, sexual banter and sexually charged verbal comments.

3- When the relationship sours and there is retaliation. When a subordinate, for example, decides to end a relationship with his or her superior, a hostile environment may result from the disappointed individual. It becomes sexual harassment when retaliation occurs and the employer ratifies the retaliation by firing or harassing the victim.

4- When the relationship is a quid pro quo. This is a Latin term (translation: “this for that”) that can mean getting hired, or receiving a raise, a promotion or preferred assignments that are contingent on sexual favors or maintaining a relationship.

5- When a romantic advance is refused. If someone has refused the advances of a superior, then observes a co-worker who accepted similar advances from the same person who then receives a promotion or other benefits, it may be the basis of a sexual harassment claim. The law requires the employee to show substantial evidence of retaliatory intent following a termination.

Regards,

Hany Sewilam AbdelHamid

Business Development Manager

Of course it will be harassment if you repeatedly ask.

طبيعة السلوك اليومي (سيرة الشخص صاحب الدعوة )هي اللتي تحدد هذه الدعوة من الناحية الاخلاقية واللوائح والانظمة الداخلية هي التي تحدد طبيعة الدعوة من الناحية القانونية 

It depends on the way you ask for it!  Does the response has a bearing on your further behavior with the co-worker?  Does a negative response likely to change your behavior in dealing with the co-worker?  Do you persuade her to accept your request by means of coercion or threatening that she would have to professionally pay a price for turning down the request.  If yes is the answer to any of the above questions, beware! your asking for the date could fall into the category of sexual harassment.