Sovereign citizens often use the terms “Moor” or “Moorman” in connection with their beliefs about a separate national identity exempt from U.S. law. Here’s my analysis:
Sovereign Citizen Belief:
- Some sovereign citizens, particularly those associated with the Moorish Sovereign Citizen movement, identify as “Moors” or “Moormans.”
- They believe this affiliation grants them a distinct nationality, separates them from the United States, and exempts them from U.S. laws and regulations.
Misunderstanding of History and Identity:
- The term “Moor” historically referred to the inhabitants of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) during the Middle Ages.
- Sovereign citizens often misuse this term, claiming a historical connection unrelated to their ancestry.
Goals of Using “Moor/Moorman”:
- Challenge U.S. Authority: By claiming Moorish nationality, they aim to reject the legal jurisdiction of the United States.
- Sovereign Status: They believe this affiliation grants them inherent sovereign rights and immunity from U.S. laws.
Why It’s Wrong:
- False Historical Connection: They claim descent from the Moors of North Africa, often citing a misinterpreted 1786 treaty between the US and Morocco as proof of sovereign status independent of US law [1]. This treaty doesn’t grant such rights.
- Fictional Indigenous Status: Some Moorish sovereigns use “Moor” or “Moorish” to create a false narrative of indigenous ancestry in North America, exempting them from laws [2]. There’s no historical basis for this claim.
- Cultural Appropriation: The use of Moorish names, clothing (fezzes), and iconography can be seen as appropriation of a distinct cultural heritage [2].
- Identity Fabrication: They may adopt surnames like “El” or “Bey” to connect themselves to a fabricated Moorish lineage [2].
Here’s what to remember:
- By misusing the term “Moor/Moorman,” sovereign citizens have created a false separate nationality.
- It has no legal standing in the U.S. legal system
Citations:
- [1] Southern Poverty Law Center: Moorish Sovereign Citizens
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https://www.splcenter.org/ - [2] ISD Global: Moorish Sovereign Citizens https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/moorish-sovereign-citizens
